10 Best Snow Tubes in 2022 (Franklin Sports, GoFloats, and More)
Sometimes, you want to have some fun by sliding down the slopes during the winter. Sure, you could use a sled, but they can be hard and uncomfortable at times. That's where snow tubes come in handy! They let you slide down the slope at incredible speeds, having a blast as you do so. That's why we did the research to find 10 of the best ones out there.
We made a top 10 list of our favorite snow tubes. We love the Arctic Trails snow tube from Franklin Sports due to its various seat options and durable design. For more great choices, check out the other nine options on our list. We also have a buying guide you can check out if you need some help picking out a snow tube. Either way, you can purchase one for the winter season and have a blast!
Quick List - Top Snow Tubes
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How to Choose Snow Tubes
Let's look over some key points, such as the material, size, and features, to help you find a tube that will let you glide down the slopes!
Choose a Tube Material You Like
There are two materials you will come across: PVC and rubber. We will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make a more informed decision.
PVC is Good for Kids and Beginners
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic commonly used for snow tubes. This material holds lots of weight while letting you quickly slide down a snow hill. However, PVC isn't very thick, so it's more prone to punctures or other problems.
Despite this setback, riders have an easier time with stability PVC doesn't bounce as much. This makes PVC an especially great option for beginners or younger users.
Rubber is More Durable
If you want a stronger tube, get a rubber one. Plus, you can use it during the winter and summer. However, rubber has more bounce to it, so you may bounce off the tube if you hit a bump or jump.
A rubber tube will hold up on the slopes while reducing your odds of a puncture. A more experienced rider will have a better time, too, since they can maintain better control of it.
Pick a Snow Tube Size That Suits You
Snow tubes come in different shapes and sizes, so you also need to think about which one will fit you.
Find the Right Diameter
The diameter affects the hole size. For example, a younger child may not fit on a 48-inch tube, but they could fit on a 30-inch tube. Also, keep in mind that the listed diameter is for a deflated tube.
As a general guideline, the larger tubes are designed for people with bigger builds. Unlike pants or shirts, you don't need to worry about your height when you choose a size. 30-inch diameters work well for kids, 40-inch diameters are good for teens and young adults, and 48-inch diameters are ideal for larger adults.
If you're not sure which tube to get based on the diameter, you may want to go with a slightly smaller size rather than a bigger one so that you sit on top of the tube without having your butt touch the ground.
Always Check the Weight Limit
Since the materials and guidelines vary between tubes, you should double-check the weight limit before you buy one.
You want to make sure it will support you. Not only could it break if you try to use it above the weight limit, but you could also get injured during the process. Luckily, most of the product pages will include a weight limit.
Some products will offer multiple tube sizes with weight guidelines instead of limits. For example, the manufacturer may say the biggest size is for people over 100 pounds.
Choose Between One- and Two-Person Tubes
You will come across one- and two-seat snow tubes. Two-seat snow tubes usually have one higher and one lower seat so that riders sit a straight line rather than side-by-side.
One-seat tubes are quicker since they have less surface area on the ground. However, you will have a harder time safely riding with someone else if you only use a single seat. They are also easier to control since you need to rely on yourself to turn it.
Since two-seat snow tubes are slower, they won’t turn as easily and require both riders to work together. However, they are safer if you plan to ride with a child since they will have their own seat. They are also designed to support more weight than one-seat tubes.
Look for Features That Will Improve Your Ride
Let's look at three common features that you may find useful, especially if you're concerned about safety or staying on the tube.
Seats Help You Stay On
Even though snow tubes traditionally have holes in the middle, some come with seats. These plastic seats extend over the hole, giving you a thin layer to sit on. Seats are great for beginners and kids since they protect you from the ground and make you feel more secure.
However, if a hole forms in the seat, you might slide through and get injured. It could also stress the seams and damage the tube, potentially making it pop.
Get One With a Safety Valve
Normal valves stick out of the tube while safety valves rest inside the tube. You pull them out when you need to fill the tube with air. Some valves have caps that prevent air from leaking while you use the tube.
Generally speaking, it’s better to have a tube with a safety valve. A normal valve can become undone or damaged if you use the tube with it sticking out.
Handles Offer a Safer Ride
Some PVC tubes have plastic handles on the sides that you can easily grip as you ride. The handles are great for people that struggle to stay on the tube when they go downhill.
One drawback is that you can't stick out your arms to balance yourself or make sharp turns if you grip the handles. However, they are helpful if you want to feel more secure and safe while using a tube.
10 Best Snow Tubes Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Franklin Sports Arctic Trails Snow Tube Snow Sled | | A Two-Seater That's Easy to Blow Up | |
2 | Tube in a Box The Original Swim and Snow Tube | | A Traditional Rubber Tube in Three Sizes | |
3 | GoFloats Winter Snow Tube Inflatable Sled | | Five Cute Animal Designs for Adults and Kids | |
4 | Bradley Commercial Snow Tube for Adults and Kids | | A Rubber Tube That Includes a Cover | |
5 | Bradley Heavy Duty Rubber Snow Tube | | Both Large and Small Rubber Tubes | |
6 | Ejoy Inflatable Snow Sled | | A Tube Designed to Easily Inflate and Deflate | |
7 | A-DUDU Inflatable Snow Sled for Kids and Adults | | A One-Size-Fits-All Choice to Keep It Simple | |
8 | Tomser Snow Tube With Backrest | | A High-Capacity Tube With a Backrest | |
9 | Kupton Inflatable Snow Tube for Sledding | | A Fast Tube That Includes Repair Patches | |
10 | Calo Snow Tube Sled for Kids and Adults ｜2 Pack | | A Double Pack for Multiple Riders |
A Two-Seater That's Easy to Blow Up
This Arctic Trails tube seats two people. It's made from PVC, which is the softer material option among tubes. Plus, it comes with a pair of handles for each rider to keep them both safe. It also comes in a single-seat option.
A few reviewers said this tube popped quicker than expected. On the other hand, many others said it's easy to blow up and get ready for a ride. They also stated this tube works great for areas that don't get that much snow and pools.
A Traditional Rubber Tube in Three Sizes
This tube comes in three sizes, allowing you to choose the best one based on your weight. The valve is coated in rubber, so you won't have to worry about the metal stem poking you as you ride. Plus, it's made of durable latex-free rubber that's less likely to get punctured.
Some reviewers reported issues with the tube leaking. However, many reviewers said they like the heavy-duty and thick rubber. They also noted that this tube works well in the snow and water.
Five Cute Animal Designs for Adults and Kids
This unique tube is available in five fun designs based on animals. It has handles and a seat for added safety. Even though it doesn't come in different sizes, this tube works for kids and adults. Plus, it comes with a patch kit.
Some reviewers had problems with the tube deflating. Despite this, many other reviewers liked that this tube can go down hills and be used in the pool. They also commented on the thick material, saying it doesn't puncture or break easily. Reviewers also loved the quirky designs!
A Rubber Tube That Includes a Cover
This unique option comes with a sturdy rubber tube, cover, towing rope, and padded insert. The rope is six feet long and lets you tow this tube up a snowy hill with ease. The cover also has a vinyl bottom to help you avoid friction when you ride the tube.
Some reviewers had problems with the cover, saying the inner tube wasn't big enough for it. Despite these critiques, many others said this tube is durable and holds up to wear and tear well. They also noted that it's made well and feels very comfortable to ride!
Both Large and Small Rubber Tubes
This option comes in various sizes, from small tubes for kids to giant tubes for groups. It includes a twisting cap, allowing you to seal the valve after inflating it. It's made of sturdy rubber and can be used in snow or water.
Some reviewers stated the tube would only inflate towards one side, creating a bulge. However, many others loved this tube's weight and durability, stating it holds up well in rough conditions. They also found the material doesn't pop easily, making it great for sledding.
A Tube Designed to Easily Inflate and Deflate
This PVC tube has a unique valve with two lids: one to let you easily inflate it and another to let the air out. It has two handles and comes with a drawstring carrying bag. Plus, the bottom has a thicker layer of PVC for better durability.
A few reviewers said the tube started leaking fairly quickly. On the other hand, many others stated that the PVC itself feels sturdy. They also liked that this tube is easy to inflate whenever you need to refill it.
A One-Size-Fits-All Choice to Keep It Simple
This tube is designed to work for kids and adults, and it comes in two colors. There are two handles and a seat for more secure riding, too. Even though it doesn't have a safety valve, it does have a double-locking value to prevent leaks.
Some reviewers said that this tube is too slow on snow. Despite this, most other reviewers said it's easy to fill with air. They also liked its overall durability when going down hills, stating it stayed inflated.
A High-Capacity Tube With a Backrest
If you want to relax as you ride, this tube has a comfy backrest! It also has a double-locking valve and rope holes. This tube is designed to carry multiple people at once and can hold up to 650 pounds. It comes in two wintery designs.
A few reviewers mentioned problems with getting the tube to pick up speed while going down a slope. On the other hand, many others said the tube feels sturdy when they ride it. People also liked the backrest, complimenting this tube's overall comfort.
A Fast Tube That Includes Repair Patches
This tube has a seat designed for kids and adults to use. Even though it doesn't have a safety valve, it has two caps to stop air from leaking. As an added bonus, this product comes with instructions and four repair patches.
A few reviewers mentioned holes appearing on the tube after a few uses. However, others said the tube does a great job of supporting adults. They also liked the speed of this tube, stating it flies across the snow.
A Double Pack for Multiple Riders
This listing includes two tubes, making it a good choice for friends and families. They have double-capped air valves and handles, too. Both tubes can support up to 220 pounds, so adults and kids can use them.
A few critics said the tubes don't hold air well and leak as you use them. On the bright side, most others liked that they are easy to inflate and glide across the snow. Since these tubes are smaller, many reviewers recommended them for kids!
Looking to Stay Warm During the Winter?
If you need some help staying warm, you should check out some of our recommendations! These items can help you stay comfortable during the colder months.
Top 5 Snow Tubes
No. 1: Franklin Sports｜Arctic Trails Snow Tube Snow Sled
No. 2: Tube in a Box｜The Original Swim and Snow Tube
No. 3: GoFloats｜Winter Snow Tube Inflatable Sled
No. 4: Bradley｜Commercial Snow Tube for Adults and Kids
No. 5: Bradley｜Heavy Duty Rubber Snow Tube
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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